The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is known as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies."
The resort comes with a handful of complimentary experiences. A concierge will reach out after you reserve your room to see if you would like to book any activities.
We used the free night and upgrade certificates from the Fairmont credit card to reserve the Junior Suite (Turret).
The turret suite has a winding staircase and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.
The staircase leads up to the bedroom.
The bathroom has a beautiful view and toiletries from Le Labo.
The hotel includes access to a bowling alley, ping pong table, and billiards room.
The outdoors pool was closed for renovations, but the indoor pools were impressive.
If you want to play with a furry friend while on vacation, you can reserve time with the Fairmont Concierge to walk the hotel dog, Bear.
Bow Falls is located in the hotel's backyard. Enjoy a short hike and take in the views.
The Plaza Premium Lounge in the Transborder Terminal is available to passengers who have a flight to the United States. Vancouver International Airport has five Plaza Premium Lounges, one in each terminal. The USA Departures is by far the worst one.
The Plaza Premium Lounge (USA Departures) is located after the security checkpoint for US Transborder Departures (Gates E), across from Gate E87.
The Plaza Premium Lounges are in the Priority Pass network. Anyone with a Priority Pass may enter the lounge.
If you don't have a Priority Pass, below are the rates (subject to change, check their website for most up to date info):
Complimentary food and drinks are available. The buffet setup usually consists of one hot entree and a side. When we visited, the complimentary hot food bar consisted of minestrone soup, sweet and sour pork, and white rice. The trays are almost empty because we visited 30 minutes before closing.
The lounge also features a small complimentary cold food bar which consists of sandwiches, salads, and cheese.
A limited selection of complimentary soda.
A self-serve alcohol bar is available after 11 AM. Beer is available upon request.
The lounge itself is relatively small compared to it's counter parts in the Vancouver International Airport. There are a few nooks for privacy, and the lounge can seat up to 60 people.
The seats near the window have a view of the arrivals hall.
